It had all the trappings of civic dignity from the Town Hall steps.
Newbury’s Mayor, the Town Crier and “Mr Monopoly” joined today to announce the Newbury Edition of Monopoly.
The Berkshire town has come out top in a twenty-strong competition of high-profile UK market towns to secure its own MONOPOLY board beating – amongst others – Dorchester, Stow-on-the-Wold, Ludlow and Hexham.
It’s a major coup for the West Berkshire town – as the company producing this new edition of the world’s most popular board game have recently made official MONOPOLY games for Doha, Brooklyn, Phuket and Naples.
The public will get to decide and shape the board, with a consultation period lasting two weeks, which will get underway immediately.
The new board will see Newbury landmarks such as Highclere Castle, Donnington Castle, Newbury Racecourse, The Old Town Hall and the town’s famous market replacing the likes of ‘Mayfair’ and ‘Park Lane’ from the classic MONOPOLY London original.
The Chance and Community Chest cards are being customised too.
The public is being invited to suggest Newbury landmarks and cards to feature in the game, by either of these two ways:
1. By email to: newbury@winningmoves.co.uk .
2. Via the official Newbury MONOPOLY Facebook page. Suggestions are invited from now until 23.59pm on 10th April 2023.
Bosses at London-based games company Winning Moves, who are producing the MONOPOLY: Newbury Edition game under licensing from global branded entertainment leader Hasbro, say a variety of factors were used in selecting Newbury from the shortlist. These include: ‘Pride’ ; ‘Beauty’ ; ‘Sense of Community’ ; Distinct Heritage.
John Keen-Tomlinson, Custom Games Executive at Winning Moves, said:
“A big congratulations to Newbury – a very worthy winner. The market town has a plethora of leading landmarks to fill the board. We expect to be wonderfully spoiled for choice putting this game together.”
The Mayor of Newbury, Cllr Gary Norman, commented:
“Newbury is delighted to have won this contest. To be associated with a world famous Brand like MONOPOLY can only be great for the town. I know the good people of Newbury will throw themselves enthusiastically into the consultation.
“I only hope this doesn’t mean we have to build a gaol!”.
The game will be out in October in time for this Christmas.
Photo above by Kennet Radio’s Dave Clarke.
